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 Summer is making a few last gasps at life, but it may be time to pull out those skis and snowboards and look towards the hill.
Marmot Basin received a considerable dusting of snow in the last weekend of August. The top of the hill was brushed with the white stuff, and Marmot staff are starting to get excited.
“We’ve had a skiff of snow here in the past few days,” said Megan Gibson, marketing and communications for Marmot Basin.
Opening day is set for Nov. 11, weather permitting, but Gibson said staff are looking forward to a season similar to last year.
“Obviously it depends on Mother Nature,” she said.
Gibson said the Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a mild winter with lots of precipitation, meaning a good snow year.
Because Marmot Basin’s base rises high above the Athabasca Valley, the hill receives tons of snow every year. Sitting at 5,570 feet, the ski hill has an advantage over others in the area when it comes to snow fall.
“That gives us quite an awesome base,” Gibson said.
Marmot Basin has upgraded their snow production to double its output. Gibson said this will allow the hill to guarantee snow for riders throughout the season.
While August saw snow, it was July that really shocked Marmot Basin’s staff, when 17 cm of snow fell on the hill and in the townsite.
“I’ve been living in Jasper a long time and it isn’t uncommon to have snow every month of the year,” Gibson said. “That was a significant amount of snow.”
For the rest of the summer and fall, Marmot Basin has a number of projects on the go. The snow hasn’t helped them get finished, but Gibson said things are still going ahead.
“It does hinder our projects up here.”
Marmot Basin receives about 470 cm of snow a year, Gibson said. With a winter predicted to be like last year, she is hoping for another great season.
“If it’s anything like last year, I’m excited.”
The ski hill had a record year in 2009/2010, with 258,000 skiers and snowboarders hitting the hill over the season. The ski hill will open on Nov. 11 and remain so until May 1. |
